Getting Started with Adoption as a Birth Mother
Thinking About Pursuing Adoption?
The adoption process can be hard to navigate because a lot of the process isn’t clear when you get started. At A Baby Step Adoption (ABSA), we want to make the adoption process as clear and easy to navigate as possible. You might be wondering “how does adoption work?” or “how do I start the adoption process?” and we’re going to walk you through everything.
ABSA has been offering legal, medical, and financial support to women facing an unplanned pregnancy for over 30 years. Every woman has the right to understand her options and deserves the very best care and support. ABSA is here to answer your questions, help you create the best plan, and offer our expertise.
What to Know Before Starting
A lot of expectant mothers that we work with are nervous to get in touch with us. We know it can be scary, but starting a conversation with one of our experienced caseworkers is the best thing you can do. Even if you’re not sure if you want to choose adoption for your baby, our caseworkers will help you explore your options and will never pressure you to make a decision you aren’t comfortable with.
For over 30 years we have worked with expectant mothers to find loving homes for about 70 babies each year. We can answer any questions that you may have for us, but the best way for us to help you is to hear from you. Each mother has her own unique story and we can help you find the right path for you. We’re a full-scale adoption agency and legal practice, so we have the experience and expertise to help you through the adoption process.
If you reach out to ABSA, you are not committing to choosing adoption. You can talk to us about any concerns you may have and tell us about your situation without committing. You can change your mind at any time.
Starting the Adoption Process
The first step of the adoption process is getting in touch with an agency. If you choose to contact ABSA, we’ll do our best to answer any question you may have about adoption and the process.
When you get in touch with us, we’ll share a short intake form with you that you can fill out from your phone or computer. We only need basic information about you and your pregnancy. We don’t need you to commit to adoption yet. We just need to make sure that we can get in touch with you and get updates on your pregnancy. We’ll also ask for proof of pregnancy, which we can help you with, including scheduling appointments and arranging rides.
Once we know each other a little better, we’ll connect you with one of our experienced caseworkers who will be with you every step of the way. Our caseworkers will be the ones supporting you throughout the whole adoption process. They’ll be there as you consider your options, plan your doctor’s appointments, create a birth plan, and beyond, even after you’ve given birth.
Case workers are a great resource throughout your pregnancy. They can help you secure health insurance, find housing, and schedule therapy and doctors appointments as needed. We work with you on your schedule as you consider your options.
No matter where you are in your pregnancy, it’s never too late to reach out to us. We can help you consider adoption whether you’re a few months along, or even after you’ve given birth. You have options throughout your pregnancy and it’s never too late to change your mind. Our number one goal is to ensure a healthy and successful pregnancy that allows your baby to find a loving home.
The Adoption Process, Start to Finish
After the initial stages of learning about you, we can start helping you develop an adoption plan. There’s no set timeline, all that we need from you is trust and communication. Your caseworker will talk to you about your pregnancy and provide any support that you need.
As you and your caseworker work together, your adoption plan will begin to come together.
Just talk to your caseworker about what kind of adoption you want, and they will help you find the best situation. When you have an idea of what kind of adoption you want, they will show you potential families. Usually expectant mothers pick an adoptive family early in the adoption process, but if you want to, you can choose to make that decision whenever it feels right for you.
ABSA offers everything from closed adoptions with no contact to open adoptions with visits. Everyone on our list of waiting families has been pre-approved with a home study and are ready to adopt. We can match you with all types of families across the country. Currently we have families of all backgrounds, including straight parents, parents in the LGBTQ+ community, and families with and without children who are eager to adopt. Once you tell us what kind of adoption you want, we will show you all of the families who match your requirements.
After the birth and the adoption, your caseworker will continue to work with you. They can help you find medical care, housing, or anything else that will put you in a better place than when you started with ABSA. We can provide lifelong support as long as you need us, and our doors are always open to you as an ABSA birth mother.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to get your adoption questions answered or start the adoption process, don’t be afraid to call us. We work with all kinds of expectant mothers, whether you just found out that you’re pregnant or you’re close to your due date. Reach out when you’re ready and remember, the more time we have to work together, the more we can help you.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and talk to any of our caseworkers. Remember, just getting in touch with us doesn’t mean you have to follow through with the adoption process. We’re eager to meet you and help you find the best path for you and your baby with educational resources, legal counseling, and financial support.